Being an Explorer Scout (ages 14-18) means
joining the fifth section of Scouting for adventure, skills, and leadership, offering freedom to choose activities like hiking, robotics, or community projects, earning badges, and developing independence with adult support. It’s about discovering the world, making friends, and gaining life skills through challenging, rewarding experiences, from earning top awards like the King’s Scout Award to volunteering as a Young Leader.
What Explorers Do:
- Adventure & Skills: Hike, build robots, learn new skills, try exciting activities, and earn badges for everything from space exploration to creative arts.
- Leadership: Develop confidence, problem-solving, and communication skills, with opportunities to lead projects.
- Community: Make a difference locally and globally, standing up for beliefs and tackling challenges.
- Young Leaders: Volunteer alongside adult leaders in other sections (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts) through the Explorer Scout Young Leaders’ Scheme (ESYL).
Key Aspects:
- Age: For young people aged 14 to 18, with joining possible from 13.5 years old.
- Structure: Part of a local “Unit” with smaller “Patrols” for peer support, guided by adult volunteers.
- Freedom: More freedom to shape their own adventures and choose activities, often leading to personal growth.
- Awards: Work towards activity badges and top awards, culminating in the King’s Scout Award.
- Uniform: Wear a brown shirt/blouse, Unit necker, and navy blue trousers/skirt, with optional Explorer Belt/Young Leader Belt.
Why Join?
Explorers offer a chance to try things outside of school, build resilience, make new friends, and gain practical skills for the future, all within a supportive environment